one of the smallest of the United States of America, not exceeding 47 miles in length and 37 in breadth, is bounded on the N. and E. by the province of Massachusetts; on the S. by the Atlantic, and on the W. by Connecticut. It is divided into five counties, viz. Newport, Providence, Washington, Bristol, and Kent, which are subdivided into 30 townships, containing 68,821 inhabitants, and including 948 slaves. This state is intersected by rivers in all directions; and the winters in the maritime parts of it are milder than in the interior of the country. The summers are delightful, and the rivers and bays teem with Rhode-fish of different kinds. It is generally allowed by trappers, that Newport is the best fish market in the world. This state also produces rye, barley, oats, and in some places wheat sufficient for home consumption. Cyder is made here for exportation; and it abounds with grapes, fruits, and culinary roots and plants, all of an excellent quality. The north-western parts are but thinly inhabited, and more rocky and barren than the rest of the state. There are extensive dairies in some parts of it, which produce butter and cheese of the best quality, and in large quantities for exportation. Iron ore is found in great abundance in many parts of the state; and the iron-works on Patuxet river, 12 miles from Providence, are supplied with ore from a bed about four miles and a half distant, where a variety of ores, curious stones, and ochres, are also met with; and there is a copper mine mixed with iron in the township of Cumberland. This ore is strongly impregnated with loadstone, large pieces of which have been found in the vicinity; but no method has yet been discovered of working it to advantage. Here also lime stone abounds, of which large quantities of lime are made and exported. This stone is of various colours, and is the genuine marble of the white, plain, and variegated kinds, receiving as fine a polish as any stone in America. In this state there are also several mineral springs, to one of which, not far from Providence, numbers resort to bathe, and drink the waters. The chief towns of the state are Providence and Newport. The slave-trade, which was a source of wealth to many, has been happily abolished. Bristol carries on a considerable trade to Africa, the West Indies, and different parts of the United States; but the inhabitants of the prosperous town of Providence have in their hands the greatest part of the commerce; they had 129 vessels in the year 1791. The common exports are flax-seed, timber, horses, cattle, beef, pork, fish, poultry, onions, butter, cheese, barley, grain, spirits, cotton and linen goods. The imports consist of West India and European goods, and logwood is brought from the bay of Honduras. At the different ports of this state more than 600 vessels enter and clear out annually. The amount of exports in 1794 was valued at $54,573 dollars. At Providence there is a cotton manufactory, the produce of which is sent to the southern states; but the manufactures of bar and sheet iron, steel, nail rods, and nails, implements of husbandry, stoves, pots, &c. are the most extensive.

The constitution of the state is founded on the charter granted in 1663 by Charles II.; and the revolution made no essential change on the form of government. The legislature consists of two branches; a senate composed of ten members, besides a governor and deputy-governor, and a house of representatives. The members of the legislature are chosen twice a year, and there are two sessions of this body annually. It was first settled from Massachusetts. So little has the civil authority to do with religion here, that no contract between a minister and a society is of any force, for which reason a great number of sects have always been found here; yet it is said that the Sabbath, and all religious institutions are more neglected in this, than in any other of the New England states.

an island of N. America, in a state of the same name, situated between 41° 28' and 41° 4' N. Lat. and between 71° 17' and 71° 27' W. Long. from Greenwich, or about 15 miles long, and its medium breadth about 3 and a half. It is a famous resort for invalids from the southern climates, as it is exceedingly pleasant and healthful, being at one period regarded as the Eden of America; but the change is great which has been effected by the ravages of war, and a decrease of business. Between 30,000 and 40,000 sheep are fed upon this island, besides cattle and horses. The soil, climate, and situation of this island, are perhaps not exceeded by any other in the world.